“The 48 Laws of Power” Author Robert Greene Explains the Necessity of Self-Reliance

Michael van der Galien was born in the Dutch city of Leeuwarden in 1984. For as long as he can remember, he has been obsessed with the United States. When he was 17 years old, he started blogging - of course about America. His articles have been published at Big Hollywood, Pajamas Media, Hot Air (the GreenRoom) and Right Across The Atlantic. He's also an editor for the Dutch conservative blog, De Dagelijkse Standaard.

I have a couple of favorite authors. These are writers whose books I truly eat up. I can’t get enough of them. I will read them not once, not twice, but probably dozens of times in my lifetime (if I haven’t done so already). When in the process of reading them, I frequently stop, take notes and think about what I just read, making sure I digest the whole intellectual meal they’re offering me. Many excerpts from these works end up being included in my own writings – which I use solely for private purposes (as of yet, at least).

Two such authors – people whose books and articles truly fascinate me and influence me tremendously – are Ralph Waldo Emerson and Robert Greene. Emerson is, of course, one of the most famous writers in American (literary) history. Robert Greene, in the meantime, may be somewhat less well-known, but he too is a literary force to be reckoned with. He’s the author of The 48 Laws of Power, which has had a tremendous impact on the ambitious among us all over the world. Editors, entrepreneurs, scientists, politicians, even rappers (such as 50 Cent) are acquainted with this book and use Greene’s strategies in their everyday lives and in their businesses or careers.

To cut a long story short, today I found the video below on YouTube, in which Greene talks about one of the most important characteristics of great men (and women): self-reliance. He explains that his views on this subject have been influenced tremendously by… that’s right, Emerson. So there you have it, a perfect combination of two of my favorite authors. I couldn’t help myself, I just had to run this video right here at NewsReal. Whether you’re a housewife, a struggling businessman, or at the top of the mountain in your private and business life, I’m confident this video and the ideas expressed in it will be of great value to you. Enjoy.